How many connection methods are there between UHPC decorative components and the main structure?

The connection method between UHPC decorative components and the main structure directly affects the safety and applicability of the entire exterior envelope system, and its design must follow the principles of “safe and reliable, displacement-adaptable, and easy to install.” In engineering practice, Qinglong Group mainly adopts three mainstream connection methods — “undercut anchor connection, hook-type connection, and direct anchor fixing” — and makes scientific selection based on the dimensions, weight, and shape of the components as well as the type of main structure.

Undercut anchor connection is currently one of the most widely used and safest connection methods. It involves drilling holes in the back of high-strength UHPC panels and inserting dedicated stainless steel undercut anchors (undercut-expansion or screw-in types), which are then connected through connecting fittings to adapters welded onto the main structure. The greatest advantage of this connection is that it is flexible: the slotted-hole design of the connecting fittings allows fine adjustment in three dimensions, absorbing construction tolerances and thermal deformation of the main structure while providing good wind-pressure resistance and seismic performance. Qinglong widely uses this method in large curtain wall projects such as the Yirui Biotechnology Building in Shenzhen, and it is particularly suitable for large-size panels.

Hook-type connection is commonly used for linear components such as GRC/UHPC mouldings and window surrounds. Typically, stainless steel hooks are pre-embedded when the components are prefabricated; at installation, they are directly clipped or hooked onto brackets (angle cleats) fixed to the main structure. This method allows fast installation and enables dry construction. Depending on the hook form, it can be single-direction adjustable or double-direction adjustable. Qinglong designs appropriate installation clearances for hook systems to accommodate structural deformation, and installs anti-withdrawal screws between upper and lower components to prevent them from slipping out.

Direct anchor fixing is suitable for small, relatively lightweight decorative components or interior applications. The components are fixed directly to concrete or masonry main structures using chemical anchors or bottom-expansion anchors. This method is simple in construction and relatively low in cost, but it requires high positional accuracy for embedded or post-installed anchors, and being a rigid connection, it offers poor deformation adaptability. Qinglong strictly calculates the number and spacing of anchors to ensure that their tensile and shear load-bearing capacity meets requirements. In actual projects, multiple connection methods are often used in combination according to component type to achieve the best results.